Nakajima Ki-19

The Nakajima Ki-19 (中島 キ19, Ki-jyukyu) was an unsuccessful attempt by Nakajima Aircraft Company to meet a 1935 requirement issued by the Japanese government for a modern bomber to replace the Mitsubishi Ki-1 heavy bomber.

Design and development

Unlike in earlier projects, the Imperial Japanese Army issued in February 1936 detailed specifications that had to be met by the new aircraft. These included a maximum speed 399 km/h (248 mph) at 3,000 m (9,840 ft); climb to altitude in under eight minutes; take-off in less than 300 m (980 ft); normal operating altitude from 2,000 m (6,560 ft) to 4,000 m (13,120 ft); and endurance of more than five hours at 299 km/h (186 mph) at 3,000 m (9,840 ft). Structural strength was specified as well, including a load factor of 6 while at high angle of attack, and 4 while in a glide. Minimum bombload for short-range missions was to be 1,500 kg (3,310 lb) with a variety of load configurations. Loaded, the bomber was to have a weight of less than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Other specified requirements were a crew of from four to six; engines to be either the Nakajima Ha-5 or Mitsubishi Ha-6; and three gun positions (nose, dorsal and ventral, each with one flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Type 89 machine gun). The Hi-2 (Type 94) or Hi-5 radio, and other details were also specified.